Apparatus for exposing and developing photosensitive sheets

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for exposing and developing light sensitized materials in accordance with the diazo process. The apparatus for exposing light sensitized materials includes a light tight material storage chamber and a hinged frame adjacent one side of the chamber. The frame encloses a transparent medium and the paper to be exposed is placed intermediate the storage chamber and the transport medium. The apparatus for developing the exposed light sensitized paper includes a hollow cylinder having a removable air tight cap on one end. A spillproof ammonia reservoir, storing the ammonia in absorbent material, is disposed within the other end of the cylinder. An apertured rotatable gate is attached to the reservoir to selectively permit the ammonia fumes generated within the reservoir to permeate the interior of the hollow cylinder.

Hays

United States Patent 1191 1 May 21, 1974 APPARATUS FOR EXPOSING AND DEVELOPING PI IOTOSENSITIVE SHEETS [76] Inventor: Gary R. Hays, 5042 N. 8th St.,

' Phoenix, Ariz. 85014 i [22] Filed: Dec. 26,1972 [21] Appl. No.: 318,024

52 us. C1 95/89 G, 355/100, 355/122 [51] Int. Cl. G03d 7/00 [58] Field of Search 95/89 R, 89 G, 94 G; 355/99, 100, 122, I28, 76; 220/205; 222/548 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS I 1,808,836 6/1931 Caps 355/76 x 3,565,523 2/1971 Davis er al. 95/0 x 3,288,047 ll/l966 Limberger 355/100 2,587,883 3/1952 Olsson 95/890 3,684,372 8/1972 Limberger 355/100 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS I 491,657 2/1930 Germany 95/89 0 Great Britain 95/89 G 1,081,985 6/1954 France ..95/89G 5 7] ABSTRACT Apparatus for exposing and developing light sensitized materials in accordance with the diazo process. The

apparatus for exposing light sensitized materials includes a light tight material storage chamber and .a hinged frame adjacent one side of the chamber. The frame encloses a transparent medium and the paper to be exposed is placed intermediate the storage chamber and' the transport medium. The apparatus for developing the exposed light sensitized paper includes a hollow cylinder having a removable air tight cap 'on one end. A spillproof ammonia reservoir, storing the ammonia in absorbent material, is disposed within the other end of the cylinder. An apertured rotatable gate is attached to the reservoir to selectively permit the ammonia fumes generated within the reservoir to permeate the interior of the hollow cylinder.

7 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTEnImI nan SHiEI 2 (IF 2 PI-IOTOSENSITIVE SHEETS The present invention relates to apparatus for developing printed material by exposure to developing chemicals, and more particularly, to apparatus for utilizing the diazo process in printing light sensitive material.

The diazo process is a well known economical process for obtaining copies of printed material. In essence, the copy paper'is impregnated or otherwise light sensitized with chemicals commonly referred to as diazo compounds. The material to be copied is placed on. the sensitized paper and the paper is exposed to light. The material may be printed material printed on transparent or transluscent paper; or it may be an opaque object, such as a leaf or block. After being exposed to light, the sensitized paper is developed by exposing it toamrnonia fumes. If blue line paper, such as K. & E. 21-1115 manufactured by Keuffel & Esser, is used, the light blanked portions will show up as blue on a white background. Of the presently known and widely used apparatus for exposing the sensitized paper, none of them are suitable for one of a kind reproductions. Instead, they are all directed to mass production requirements useful only in commercial establishments. In example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,524,818. is representative of the type and complexity of apparatus available. As a consequence, one of a kind copies must be made by commercial establishments at a substantial cost. In the alternative, an individual must contend with the problems of obtaining substantial supplies, experimentation and storage of the light sensitive paper. For limited number of copies and use, the problems outweigh the cost of going to a commercial establishment.

Several different approaches have been taken in producing developers within which the exposed light sensitive paper can be subjected to ammonia. Again, all of 'the presently known developers are directed to commercial high volume'operation. The following U.S. Pats. are representative of the major types: Nos. 2,431,041; 2,761,364; 3,020,818; 3,323,436; 3,364,833; and 3,417,686. All of them incorporate some means for recirculating the ammonia, or power means for advancing the paper. Either feature immediately removes them from the home use market. Another U.S. Pat., No. 3,545,363, incorporates a bath of ammonia to provide ammonia fumes and permits the operator to draw the exposed paper through the machine by hand. Thus, it might be suitable for home use except for certain features. First, the ammonia is not contained within a sealable container thus, the

fumes will be emitted continuously or the ammonia may spill. Second, the developer is not tightly sealable while in use and ammonia fumes will escape therefrom.

It is therefore a primary object of this invention to provide a compact easy to use copy printer.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a diazo process developer having a sealable ammonia compartment.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a spillproof ammonia compartment in a print developer.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a simple lever mechanism for actuating a developer, which developer is used in printing copies in accordance with the diazo process.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a means for retaining material to be printed adjacent light sensitized paper while subjecting the light sensitized paper to a light source.

A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a unitary structure for storing, exposing and developing light sensitized paper in' accordance with the teaching of the diazo process.

These and other objectsof the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art as the description thereof proceeds.

The present invention may be described with more specificity and clarity with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the apparatus for exposing light sensitized paper.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of the apparatus for exposing light sensitized paper.

FIG. 3 illustrates a developer constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed view of the ammonia compartment seal.

FIG. 5 illustrates a unitary form of the developer and the apparatus for exposing light sensitized paper.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a plan view of the exposure apparatus 30 for transferring the information contained in an original document or specimen to chemically treated paper 8, which paper is known in the trade as blue line paper or its equivalent. One-half of apparatus 30 includes a frame 31 surrounding and supporting transparent material 32 which material may be plexi-glass. The other half of apparatus 30 includes a tray 33 attached to frame 31 by means of a rectilinear hinge 34. The purpose of hinge 34 is that of permitting frame 31 to be folded adjacent the mouth of tray 33. A flap 38 is hingedly secured to one edge of frame 31 by hinge 40. Flap 38 includes a plurality of apertures 39 generally corresponding in-position and number to protrusions 37.

Referring now jointly to FIGS. 1 and 2, exposure apparatus 30 will be described in further detail. Frame 31 is folded across the mouth of tray 33 at hinge 34 until sides 44 and 45 abutone another. Flap 38 is thence folded toward tray 33 until each of apertures 39 have fully engaged corresponding ones of protrusions 37.

Thus, flap 38 engaging protrusions 37 locks frame 31 to tray 33. t

A piece of readily resilient material 36 of dimensions generally equivalent to the interior width and breadth of tray 33 is disposed within the tray. The depth of the resilient material is approximately equivalent to the depth of tray 33. For reasons to be described below, the resiliency of material 36 should be relatively high.

In operation, with apparatus 30 in the opened position, as shown in FIG. 1, a piece of blue line paper 8 is placed upon resilient material 36.'The original material 43 is laid upon paper 8. Thence,frame 31 is folded upon tray 33 and locked in place. By exposing frame 31 to light rays 41, which light rays are prefereably sunlight, the portions of paper 8 not blanked by the opaque contents of original material 43 will be exposed. The exposure of paper 8 to rays of light 41 initiates a chemical reaction within paper 8.

The original material 43 may be any one of several types. In example, it maybe transparent paper having information printed or drawn thereon; it may be an opaque subject such as a leaf or design; or it may be a composite of material-of varying transparency. After paper 8 has been exposed to light rays 41 for a sufficient period of time toeffect the chemical reaction, the paper is'removed by opening apparatus 30.

When the present invention is used in the field, such as during botanical expeditions, a supply of paper 8 must be readily available. During such expeditions,

paper 8 may be inserted intermediate resilient material 36 and the bottom of tray 33. Therein, the paper can be transported without accidental exposure to light rays and yet it is readily available for use when needed. Thus, it can be seen that resilient material 36 serves a three-fold purpose. First, it urges paper 8 and original material 43 adjacent transparent material 32 to minimize optical distortion during the exposure period. Second, it will accommodate an original material 43 which is not of uniform depth such as a leaf or twig without causing damage to the original. Third, it will easily compress to permit the storage of unexposed paper 8 intermediate it and tray 33 to prevent light rays 41 from prematurely exposing the stored paper.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a developer 1 constructed in accordance with the present invention. The interior dimensions of hollow cylinder 2 defines the developing chamber. A cap 3, having a centrally disposed cavity 9 for receiving an upper end of cylinder 2, is used to seal the upper end of the cylinder. A cap or base 4, including a centrally disposed cavity 19 for receiving the lower end of cylinder 2, is used to seal the lower end of the cylinder.

' Aninverted circular cap 10 is fitted within the lower extremity of cylinder 2. The cavity defined by cap 10 and the central part of base 4 is filled with absorbent material 5. The absorbent material is impregnated with and retains diluted liquid ammonia 6. The central part of cap 10 is apertured with a plurality of apertures 11. A generally circular gate 12 is fitted generally adjacent to the apertured central part of cap 10. A rivet 14 centrally disposed within gate 12 secures the gate to cap 10. A bias means, such as a berylium copper washer 15 is disposed intermediate the head of rivet 14 and gate 12 to urge the gate in close physical contact with the base of cap 10.

Referring now jointly to FIGS. 3 and 4, the structure and operation of gate 12 will be described in further detail. A slot or recess 17 is disposed within the upper lateral side of base 4. Another slot 18 is disposed in the lower part of cylinder 2. The positional relationship between slots 17 and18 is such that slot 17 is, in any of its possible positions, coincident with at least a part of slot 18.

A leve'r or key means 16 forms a part of gate 12 and extends therefrom through slot 18 and into slot 17. The width of slot 17 is approximately equal to the width of lever 16 such that there is little if any independent rotational movement of base 4 without a corresponding movement of lever 16. The extent of angular rotation of base 4 is controlled by the width of slot 18 as lever 16 will contact one or the other of the vertical sides of slot 18 when the base is angularly displaced.

A plurality of apertures 13 are disposed in the central part of gate 12. Apertures l3 correspond in position and number to the apertures 11 disposed in cap 10. Further,'the apertures 13 are coincident with respective ones of apertures 11 when the gate 12 is positioned be designated as the first position. When lever 16 is adjacent side 23 of slot 18, apertures 11 and 13 will no longer be in coincidence with one another. This position will be designated as the second position. From the above description, it will be apparent that when lever 16 is in the first position, there will be communication between the space filled by absorbent material 5 and the interior of cylinder 2. Further, when lever 16 is in the second position, there will be essentially no communication between the space containing the absorbent material 5 and the interior of cylinder 2. The spring action of washer 15 tends to urge gate 12 into close physical contact with cap 10 in order to minimize leakage therebetween.

As previously alluded to, the position of lever 16 is controlled by the rotational position of base 4 with respect to cylinder 2. Thus, base 4 can be turned to position lever 16 in either the first position or in the second position. In this manner, communication between the space occupied by absorbent material 5 and the interior of cylinder 2 can be selectively controlled by turning base 4 with respect to cylinder 2.

An annular ridge 20 may be disposed in the lower end of cylinder 2.. This ridge mates with a corresponding annular groove 21 disposed within the lateral side of cavity 19 in base 4. The purpose of ridge 20 and groove 21 is that of permitting base 4 to be turned relative to cylinder 2 but prevent the base from sliding off the cylinder.

After paper 8 has been exposed within apparatus 30, the paper is removed therefrom and inserted within cylinder 2 by momentarily removing cap 3. Base 4 is turned until lever 16 is in the first position so that aper-.

tures 11 and 13 are coincident with one another. The ammonia 6, disposed in and about the absorbent material 5, will tend to vaporize and permeate the interior of cylinder 2. At this point, a chemical reaction will occur between the ammonia and the chemically treated paper 8 which reaction develops the paper in accordance with the teachings of the diazo process. At the completion of the developing process, base 4 is turned until lever 16 is in the second position so that apertures 11 and 13 are misaligned, which misalignment prevents further transference of-ammonia vapors into cylinder 2. Cap 3 may then be removed and the developed paper 8 can be withdrawn from within cylinder 2.

As is well known, ammonia fumes are repugnant and in some cases may cause nausia. With the present invention, only a limited amount of ammonia fumes will escape from within cylinder 2 when cap 3 is removed to withdraw 'paper 8. Usually the concentration of ammonia fumes flowing into the surrounding atmosphere is not of sufiicient strength or concentration to cause any ill effects on the operator. Thus, the present inven tion is readily useable within the home.

As mentioned above, one of the intended purposes of the present invention is that of taking it on expeditions to make prints on location of interesting specimens. The configuration for storing and releasing ammonia is specifically intended to overcome and circumvent the multitude of problems associated with the transportation of liquid ammonia. The utilization of an absorbent material 5 to contain the ammonia 6 permits the developer 1 to be jostle'd or even carried upsidedown without any danger of the ammonia leaking therefrom and causing damage or discomfort. Thus, the developer 1 may be carried along with other equipment without regard to the specific manner in which it is packed.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown a configuration of thepresent invention to facilitate the transportation of both the exposure apparatus 130 and the developer 101. The developer 101 includes a hollow cylinder 102 having a cap 103 disposed at one end and a base 104 disposed at the other end. As discussed above, cap 103 permits the exposed paper to be inserted and withdrawn from within cylinder 102. Base 104 houses the ammonia and the gating mechanism for selectively permeating the interior of cylinder 102 with ammonia fumes.

Tray 133 is fixedly secured to the periphery of cylinder 102. A frame 131, including transparent material 132 disposed therein, is hingedly secured to tray 133 by a hinge 134. Tray 133 also includesa storage compartment for the unexposed paper. A handle 125 may be attached to side 126 of tray 133. r I

. With the configuration as shown in FIG. 5, both the exposure apparatus 130 and developer 101 are part of a unitary structure. The advantages of such a unitary structure include, of course, reduced probability of misplacing one or the other'of the apparatus, ease of transportation; and immediate access to the developer after the paper has been exposed.

While the principles of the invention have now been made clear in an illustrative embodiment, there will be immediately obvious to those skilled in the art many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, the elements, materials, and components, used in the practice of the invention which are particularly adapted for specific environments and operating re quirements without departing from those principles.

I claim: i

l. A portable apparatus for developing prints in accordance with the diazo process, said apparatus comprising: v

A. a hollow cylindrically shaped container for receiving light exposed paper;

B. a removable first cap secured to one end of said container for retaining the light exposed paper within a first section of said container and for sealing said one end;

C. means disposed within a second section of said container in proximity to the other end of said container for storing ammonia, said storing means including liquid absorbent material for retaining said ammonia;

D. a second cap rotatably engaging the other end of said container, said second cap being removable to provide access to said absorbent material;

. E. gate means defining the boundary between said first and second sections and movable between an open and closed position for delimiting the flow of ammonia fumes from said storing means into said first section;

F. key means associated with said gate means and extending external to said container for controlling the opening and closing of said gate means; and

G. said second cap including a recess for mating with said key means; whereby rotation of said second cap controls the flow of said ammonia fumes into said first section of 'said container to develop the light exposed paper.

2. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said storing means comprises an inverted cup shaped member having an apertured base, the sides of said member contacting the interior surface of said container with the base extending across said container adjacent said I gate means.

3. The apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said gate means comprises an apertured plate generally coincident with said apertured base and movable between said open and closed positions with respect to said apertured base.

4. The apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein the apertures in said apertured base are coincident with the apertures in said plate when said plate is in said open position and not coincident therewith when said plate is in said closed position.

5. The apparatus as set forth in claim 4 including bias means associated with said apertured base and said plate for urging said plate into close contact with said apertured base.

6. The apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein said lever means comprises a key extending outwardly from said plate and engaging said recess within said second cap.

7. Portable unitary apparatus for exposing and developing light sensitized paper in accordance with the diazo process, said apparatus comprising in combination:

A. an exposer for prising:

l. a tray for receiving the unexposed paper and the object to be copied;

2. a frame hingedly secured to said tray, said frame including a transparent portion for transmitting light into said tray; and

3. bias means disposed within said tray for urging the object and the paper adjacent said transparent portion;

exposing light sensitive paper com- B. a developer for developing light sensitized paper comprising: l. a hollow cylindrically shaped container secured to said exposer for receiving light exposed paper;

2. a removable first cap secured ,to one end of said container for retaining the light exposed paper within a first section of said container and forsealing said one end; 3. means disposed within a second section of said container in proximity to the other end of said container for storing ammonia, said storing 1 ling the opening and closing of said gate means; i

and 7. said second cap including a recess for mating with said key means, whereby rotation of said second cap controls the flow of said ammonia fumes into said first section of said container to develop the light exposed paper. 

1. A portable apparatus for developing prints in accordance with the diazo process, said apparatus comprising: A. a hollow cylindrically shaped container for receiving light exposed paper; B. a removable first cap secured to one end of said container for retaining the light exposed paper within a first section of said container and for sealing said one end; C. means disposed within a second section of said container in proximity to the other end of said container for storing ammonia, said storing means including liquid absorbent material for retaining said ammonia; D. a second cap rotatably engaging the other end of said container, said second cap being removable to provide access to said absorbent material; E. gate means defining the boundary between said first and second sections and movable between an open and closed position for delimiting the flow of ammonia fumes from said storing means into said first section; F. key means associated with said gate means and extending external to said container for controlling the opening and closing of said gate means; and G. said second cap including a recess for mating with said key means; whereby rotation of said second cap controls the flow of said ammonia fumes into said first section of said container to develop the light exposed paper.
 2. a removable first cap secured to one end of said container for retaining the light exposed paper within a first section of said container and for sealing said one end;
 2. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said storing means comprises an inverted cup shaped member having an apertured base, the sides of said member contacting the interior surface of said container with the base extending across said container adjacent said gate means.
 2. a frame hingedly secured to said tray, said frame including a transparent portion for transmitting light into saId tray; and
 3. means disposed within a second section of said container in proximity to the other end of said container for storing ammonia, said storing means including liquid absorbent material for retaining said ammonia;
 3. The apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said gate means comprises an apertured plate generally coincident with said apertured base and movable between said open and closed positions with respect to said apertured base.
 3. bias means disposed within said tray for urging the object and the paper adjacent said transparent portion; B. a developer for developing light sensitized paper comprising:
 4. a second cap rotatably engaging the other end of said container, said second cap being removable to provide access to said absorbent material;
 4. The apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein the apertures in said apertured base are coincident with the apertures in said plate when said plate is in said open position and not coincident therewith when said plate is in said closed position.
 5. The apparatus as set forth in claim 4 including bias means associated with said apertured base and said plate for urging said plate into close contact with said apertured base.
 5. gate means defining the boundary between said first and second sections and movable between an open and closed position for delimiting the flow of ammonia fumes from said storing means into said first section;
 6. key means associated with said gate means and extending external to said container for controlling the opening and closing of said gate means; and
 6. The apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein said lever means comprises a key extending outwardly from said plate and engaging said recess within said second cap.
 7. Portable unitary apparatus for exposing and developing light sensitized paper in accordance with the diazo process, said apparatus comprising in combination: A. an exposer for exposing light sensitive paper comprising:
 7. said second cap including a recess for mating with said key means, whereby rotation of said second cap controls the flow of said ammonia fumes into said first section of said container to develop the light exposed paper. 